Gov't funds methadone treatment in Son La

Update:
July, 14/2015 - 08:35

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Drug abusers receive methadone at the Son La HIV/AIDS Prevention Centre. The Government will subsidise a health programme using methadone therapy to treat approximately 6,000 drug addicts across the northern province of Son La through 2020. — Photo nhandan.com.vn

SON LA (VNS) — The Government will subsidise a health programme using methadone therapy to treat approximately 6,000 drug addicts across the northern province of Son La through 2020.

The methadone treatments are used to slowly curb people's reliance on certain drugs. In 2015, 18 new medical facilities were established for methadone treatment and distribution, while free drugs will be delivered to healthcare units in Yen Chau, Quynh Nhai, Bac Yen, Phu Yen, and Sop Cop districts.

According to Dam Van Huong, Head of the Son La Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention, people with addictions will receive free treatment under a global fund's sponsorship.

Statistics showed that only 665 out of 7,763 drug abusers in Son La have utilised the therapy so far.

The programme has been underway in the neighbouring province of Lai Chau since last year. The provincial Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention reported nearly 1,720 drug addicts were taking the treatment in eight different local rehab centres and 26 local clinics across the province. — VNS